While tourists continue to flock to Indonesia and Thailand in droves, Vietnam continues to grow in popularity.
With bookings recovering post-pandemic and airlines such as Vietjet entering the Australian market, more and more people are exploring what this Southeast Asian gem has to offer.
The country offers a wealth of experiences for all types of travelers, from those seeking adventure to those who just want a break.
So, if you’re planning a trip abroad this year, all of the following activities will make Vietnam a top choice for you.
read more: What it’s like to be on a Vietjet business flight
Travel through the city like a local
With millions of motorcycles on the road, Saigon is a city that keeps moving forward.
Immerse yourself in the local culture on a Vespa tour of this bustling destination in Ho Chi Minh City.
Tour company Vespa Adventures pairs travelers with experienced riders for day and night tours.
I took the Saigon Night Tour and it was one of the highlights of my trip.
Expect a whirlwind adventure filled with sightseeing and street food as you move side by side with locals.
Adventures for travelers and their taste buds
If you can’t pass up a Vietnamese sandwich, there’s a good chance Vietnamese is your dream deli.
This humble sandwich is made to perfection in its homeland and is packed with crunch and flavor.
But the country’s booming cuisine goes beyond delicious staples.
Discover authentic flavors by sampling the cuisine on offer at one of the many family-run restaurants and street food stalls.
For fans of the late celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain, head to Saigon’s Lunch Lady restaurant, where he ordered the Bún bò Huế (spicy beef and pork noodle soup) — which is currently only available on Fridays specialties.
If you travel to Hanoi, stop by Bun cha Huong Lien.
The little noodle shop attracted global attention when Bourdain pulled up a low plastic stool at a table with former U.S. President Barack Obama.
Their meal of choice? 120.000 VND (USD 7.50) for beer, bread tea and seafood nem rán (fried spring rolls) combo.
read more: VietJet offers flights from Australia to Vietnam for $0
Satisfy your sweet tooth
Vietnam is one of the largest coffee bean producers in the world, but cocoa beans are the main raw material for Maison Marou.
Billed as “the ultimate bean-to-bar experience,” visitors have the opportunity to watch chocolatiers at work through the windows of the Saigon flagship store.
One variety worth trying is the Pho flavor, which blends aromatic spices and dark chocolate into the flavor of the popular soup dish.
The New York Times once called this series of candies “the best chocolate you’ve ever tasted.” You can be a judge.
After trying some of their flavors, I have to agree.
Explore the beauty of the Mekong Delta
Hop on a boat and cruise down the Mekong Delta.
There are many rural communities dotted along the scenic river, including Ben Tre province, which is dotted with lush rice fields and orchards.
Known as the Coconut Capital of Vietnam, the community is home to the largest and oldest tropical fruit growing area in the country.
Mango Cruises is a local tour operator that offers visitors the opportunity to see this famous river maze and the people who call it home.
Take a step back in time
Walking is a great way to get to know a new place.
Admire Saigon’s historical architectural sights, including the Central Post Office and Ben Thanh Market.
The latter is the city’s oldest and most famous market.
Prices tend to be higher than other markets, so be prepared to put your bargaining skills to the test.
Turn off the power in Cam Ranh
Cam Ranh Beach is located on the southeastern coast of Vietnam, an area famous for its white sand beaches and turquoise waters.
Take a dip in one of the most beautiful bays in the country and enjoy picture-postcard views.
The coastline is dotted with resorts, including the Mövenpick Resort Cam Ranh, which has 17 kilometers of private beach.
The ice cream-themed resort also features two outdoor swimming pools, two large water slides and a children’s water park.
visit temple
No trip to the coastal city of Nha Trang is complete without a visit to the Po Nagar Cham Pagoda.
Step back in time with this extraordinary temple complex built between the 7th and 12th centuries.
The site originally had eight towers, but now only four remain, including the 28-meter-high north tower, which is the centerpiece of this place of worship.
Dedicated to the goddess Po Nagar, these towers offer a glimpse into the history and culture of the Cham people in the area.
Aerial View
With stunning views of Saigon’s skyline, Art Hotel’s Social Club is unique among the city’s rooftop bars.
Located on the 24th floor, guests can take a dip in the sparkling rooftop pool during the day and admire the twinkling lights at night.
The hotel itself is a retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Its design was inspired by the French Indochina era of the 1930s and was designed with comfort in mind.
The author visited Vietnam as a guest of Vietjet Air and stayed at Saigon Art Hotel and Mövenpick Resort Cam Ranh.
